Recently, Team Secret experienced a devastating 0-2 loss against Cerberus Esports. This costly defeat has pushed Team Secret into a dire situation, as they now no longer control their own fate in securing a spot in the VCS Spring 2021 Playoffs, and must rely on the possibility of SBTC Esports “slipping up.”
One of the most discussed issues after TS’s defeat is the fact that Slayder did not get to play in a match that TS “had to win at all costs.” Clearly, Eddie is a promising young marksman, but facing him is Artemis – one of the top carry players in the VCS right now.
Therefore, leaving Slayder on the bench is quite a perplexing decision by the Secret coaching staff. The gap in level and competitive experience between Artemis and Eddie has become very clear, rendering TS’s bottom lane completely helpless against their opponents.
After the match, Slayder posted a status filled with emotions and hints on his personal Facebook. Given the current situation, many fans speculate that Slayder’s feelings of “isolation” further indicate that his relationship with Team Secret is “problematic.”
In Slayder’s Facebook post, many opinions suggest that the other TS players’ dislike for the “protecting the marksman” playstyle might be the reason for Slayder feeling “isolated.” However, it must be emphasized again that Slayder has been performing relatively well in the second half of the season, so the reason for him sitting out for Eddie due to form seems unconvincing.
Some opinions suggest that Team Secret is facing the same problem as SBTC Esports, which is having too many stars and too many “egos” within a team. And it is not excluded that internal tensions have arisen within TS, specifically in Slayder’s case, as the pressure of fluctuating performance and the unclear playing style of this team have caused players to no longer be themselves.